Community Grants

NYSP2I provides an important source of funding for community-focused pollution prevention initiatives. Each fall, proposals are solicited from community organizations, municipal departments and other public sector and not-for-profit entities for projects that raise awareness and understanding of pollution prevention practices and lead to implementation at the local level. Communities all across New York State benefit from this program. To date, NYSP2I has awarded over $1M to support 78 projects across NYS.

Eligible applicants must be NYS-based, not-for-profit community organizations or local government agencies. Examples include: academic institutions; neighborhood associations; environmental justice; municipal departments; community development corporations; health centers; local unions and labor organizations; offices or departments of a city, town or county; primary and secondary schools; libraries; local environmental agencies; boards of health; departments of public works; local emergency response offices; town commissions and planning and zoning boards.

New applicants may replicate past awardee projects. Past awardee project summaries are provided below.If you are interested in applying but have questions about eligibility or other past projects, please contact us.

FAQs

I just found out about this opportunity. Does NYSP2I offer extensions to the deadline?

No. The community grant is offered to applicants across the state. To make it fair to all who apply, the deadline is the same for everyone. The grant is a yearly opportunity, if you miss this year, we welcome you to apply next year.

Is there a limit on how long my application can be? Is there a standard format I need to use?

Yes. Please follow the Application Format found in the RFA.

Our project is going to cost more than the Community Grants Program will reimburse. Should our entire project budget be submitted?

No. The Appendix B Community Grants Program Budget must only contain expenses that will be reimbursed by NYSP2I CGP funding. The entire project cost should be described in the budget narrative, including sources of funding, as well as in-kind funding, and whether these sources have been secured/committed.

I’ve received a NYSP2I grant in the past, do I still need to submit a W9 form and Vendor Set Up form?

Yes. All grant applicants must submit a complete grant application, with all required forms, regardless if they have submitted them previously.

Am I required to submit letters of support and/or letters of commitment?

Letters of commitment are required from any project partner or collaborator that will be funded through the project or working directly on the deliverables of the project. The letter of commitment should describe their commitment to the project, their role, estimated time on the project and whether they will be paid with this grant funding. Letters of support from organizations or individuals not involved in the project, are highly recommended, but not required.

Will all organizations be notified of their application status? When should our organization expect to receive notification?

Yes. All grant applicants will receive notification of their application status.

I received notice that our organization was funded. Now what? Can I start my project immediately?

No. Awards are not official until the project scope of work is agreed and signed by the awardee and RIT and a purchase order is issued by RIT to the awardee. Once this documentation is finalized, the project work performed during the project period of performance (typically January 1 to December 31), can be reimbursed.